Emma Hart Willard
(1787- 1870)


I, Emma Hart Willard, do send this resume unto thee, Mr. President, for reasons of presenting my numerous accomplishments and strengths, in hopes of acquiring the title of Head Advisor, under thy services. If Mr. Jackson should not view this plan as its authoress hopes he may, but should think the time devoted to its perusal sacrificed, let him not consider its presentation to him as an intrusion of an individual ignorant of the worth of his time, but as the enthusiasm of a projector, misjudging of her project and overrating its value.

Achievements

In 1812, with the much appreciated permittance and approval of my dear husband, Dr. John Willard, I opened the doors of our house to young women, in an effort to provide advanced education that was denied at colleges. I taught the higher subjects, most notably, mathematics, something never before to have been systematically introduced to women. I further wrote "A Plan for Improving Female Education," in which a defining characteristic was my vision of an institution such as already existed, instead of a private academy. My philosphy obtained the approval of Governor Clinton, of New York, and that of former presidents James Monroe, Thomas Jefferson and John Adams. In 1819, I moved my school to Waterford, New York and two years later, opened the Troy Female Seminary. Again in 1828, I published a paper entitled "Republic of America," a paper that was very favorably reviewed by the periodicals of the larger cities and by the revered Daniel Webster.
Because of the success of my seminary, women like Mary Lyon opened schools for women, such as Mt. Holyoke, schools like the Boston Public Latin School for Boys gained sister schools, and additional schools were opened in which females were accepted. After traveling to Europe to meet with the two leading women educators in France and England in 1830, I moreover found out that I had put forth a high standard of education and was respected and sought after for advice from foreign countries. One of my final achievements was being elected as Superintendent of Public Schools in Kensington. Upon nearing 60, I finally retired and handed management of the seminary over to my son and daughter-in-law.

References
I first met Mr. Clinton in 1818, upon recieving his endorsement for my "A Plan for Improving Female Education." A humble yet powerful and wise man, Mr. Governor has consented to aid my journey in any way possible.

Professor Amos Eaton is a long time associate and professional friend. Taking charge of the, at the time, new science department, Mr. Eaton offered courses at my school, that were more advanced than those offered at most men's colleges.


Bibliography

"Emma Hart Willard." Biographical Overview. Emma Willard School. Web. 25 Feb. 2010. <__http://www.emma.troy.ny.us/about/history/ehwillard/ehwillard.php__>.

"Emma Willard Biography." Biography.com. Web. 25 Feb. 2010. <__http://www.biography.com/articles/Emma-Willard-9531676__>.